Understanding AI Ethics in Education

Image of ticks and crosses

If the alignment problem is the challenge to ensure AI systems behave as they were intended to and ensure they're aligned with human values and goals (Christian, 2020), how do you as an educator ensure they are appropriate for your educational context?

What is the Alignment Problem in education?

We are seeing more and more discussion around how to integrate AI into education, however, there are so many varied opinions on what is right and what is wrong. In some instances, there have been bans on generative AI, and in others, there are calls to flip the script; and look at how to leverage it rather than ban it. Regardless, we have seen and will continue to see an increased prevalence of AI in education; from personalised learning platforms, and lesson plan generation to intelligent tutoring systems.

So, what do you need to know?

Basically, it is important to understand the potential risks and implications of AI in education; and in doing so, as an educator, you can help foster responsible AI use and empower the next generation to become ethical AI users and creators (Selwyn, 2019). Before we start telling learners not to use particular software, or to ensure they are being ethical in the use of it; as an educator, you have to become an ethical AI user and creator.

How can educators become ethical AI users?

If your algorithm is anything like mine, I am seeing so many brilliant ways in which ChatGPT can be leveraged for teaching and learning but not so much about the other side of the coin. That is, what are the other ways in which it is being used that we need to be cognisant of when designing teaching and learning experiences? Afterall, there are so many facets of AI, how do you keep up and how do you, become an ethical AI user? Brian Christian (2020) highlights some ways in which this can be done below:

1. Acknowledge AI is here in education and is here to stay.

2. Learn about AI and the different AI tools that may enhance the teaching and learning process. Just like any other technology, AI also carries its own set of ethical considerations. Therefore, it is crucial that educators are informed and evaluate AI tools and systems to determine how they can responsibly promote the use of AI.

3. There needs to be an ongoing dialogue between industries to ensure that AI is used for the greater good.

4. It is crucial that you incorporate AI that works in service of our goals and aspirations, rather than in opposition to.

How do ethical considerations impact you as an LX Designer?

There are many tools appearing and will continue to do so that may make your life easier; maybe not better, but easier. Before you engage with and AI-driven tools, I encourage you to consider:

1. What bias and discrimination are inherent in this tool? Don't forget that AI systems will inadvertently reflect biases and prejudices of their developers and/or data sources, so how are you questioning its use?

2. What are the privacy and security considerations needed? AI systems may collect and store sensitive information about teachers and learners so consider this.

3. How will you be transparent about how you have generated ideas and concepts? Just as you would expect learners to cite ideas, it is integral that as an educator you do too. If you wouldn't cite it, then don't use it.

References:

• Christian, B. (2020). The alignment problem: Machine learning and human values. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.